Top Menus
Generally this menu bar is placed below the page header which usually is a graphic containing the site logo. These are generally single links, expanding menus or drop down menus. Every menu can be shown via some text or may be a graphic. Moreover, a hyperlink is added with every item so that a visitor can get easy information just by clicking on it.
Left Side Navigation
This generally points out to the portion, text area or column which is on the top potion, left hand side of the web page. Similar to the top menu, every item can be represented by a hyperlink.
Right Side Navigation
This This generally points out to the portion, text area or column which is on the top potion, Right hand side of the web page. This space is now used for navigation it is generally where advertisements are placed.
Bottom Menus
This is usually used, either like a menu bar or like footer.
Important Navigation Elements
Internal Page Links
The important pages should be easily assessable and thus should be on the first click itself. The maximum number of clicks should be three clicks from the home page.
Login Boxes
They should stand out and be visible. Thus it should be the header, as it catches good attention there. Or it could be the two top corners (i.e. top left or top right)
Shopping Carts
If you are asking the users to shop on your site, you should make sure a shopping cart is displayed on each page. This icon should be preferably placed on the top, Right hand side, as a part of the header or just below it.
Order Buttons
They should be prominent to the users eyes. It should be fast and easy to get on the order page. It shouldn’t be a task for the users to get to the order page, orelse they might just find it as a hassle and give up.
Breadcrumbs
the combination of graphical representation of where you are on the site and the links, is together called Breadcrums. This icon is usually placed on the top left hand side, under the header. Every word should serve as a link to the previous page
External Links
There is no hard and fast rule, on where should they be placed but generally they are placed inside the text areas. These links refer to more information on the same topic which is listed on other sites. It could also be about recommended products.
Advertisements
They are generally either in graphic or text which, has a hyperlink attached. Ads can be placed anywhere, but generally are placed the header banner, or on the right hand side of the page, it is under the navigation elements on the left margin. It can be placed across the bottom of the page or entwined with the test areas of the page. Research shows that the most effective ads are the ones that are placed on the area of the page, which is shown immediately as you log on, without scrolling down (this are is called Above the fold). Above the fold ads are more eye catching and thus more valuable
Downloadable Items
Incase your offering downloading items like articles, music, videos, make sure to inform your users how big the files are. You also need to tell them if they need an application to use that file. If they do need an application, then help them to easily access the application with the help of a link. For example, provide a link to the free Acrobat reader if you offer pdf files.
A convenient navigation system can lead to a hike in the number of pages viewed by visitors. This leads to an increase in the number of sales, members, customers, sign ups or whatever the site can offer. It basically makes the website more user friendly and thus more preferred and successful
Richard Kacerek CEO Empire Elements
UK Landline: 01252 336 423
UK Mobile: 07961 746 777
UK Free Phone: 0800 781 8125
Office hours:
Mon - Fri: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Website: http://www.empire-elements.co.uk
Email: info@empire-elements.co.uk
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